PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Evgenii Mamchenko (ranked 1917 p4p, 250 weight class) and Atlas Metaxas (ranked 3734 p4p, 418 weight class). Metaxas has chosen Richard Humpty Vission-Superstar as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Mamchenko
vs
Metaxas

175 cm
34
198 lbs
22 - 16 - 1

190 cm
35
223 lbs
13 - 9 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 16 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Evgenii Mamchenko!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Atlas Metaxas!
The judges for this bout are Wagner Zegers, Patrick Alders and Nard Betker.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Metaxas dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Mamchenko. That did some damage!
Metaxas lands a body shot.
Mamchenko throws the left hand but Metaxas avoids the punch easily.
A solid leg kick lands there for Metaxas.
Mamchenko swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Metaxas has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Metaxas uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Mamchenko.
Danga de danga de dang - Metaxas scores with a four punch combination!
Mamchenko blocks a leg kick.
Metaxas catches Mamchenko with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Metaxas moves out of range as Mamchenko strikes.
A punch combination from Metaxas misses.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Mamchenko throws a hook to the side of Metaxas's head but Metaxas sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Mamchenko lands with an overhand left.
Mamchenko throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Mamchenko lands with an overhand left.
Metaxas throws a shot from downtown. Mamchenko moves away and avoids it.
Metaxas misses with a hook.
Mamchenko works the jab nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Metaxas closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.

It looks like Atlas Metaxas has been cut.
Metaxas throws a leg kick

and Mamchenko counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Mamchenko connects with a couple of short punches.
Mamchenko won't allow Metaxas to sweep him here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Metaxas is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Metaxas working a defensive guard here.
Metaxas bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Mamchenko's guard.

Metaxas looking to pass the guard.
Mamchenko is trying to keep Metaxas in close.

Mamchenko has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Metaxas can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Metaxas trying to control the position from guard on top but Mamchenko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mamchenko wants to sweep here but Metaxas controlling him for the moment.
Mamchenko trying to control the position.
Metaxas trying to control but Mamchenko is working from the bottom.
Mamchenko looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Mamchenko is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Metaxas with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Mamchenko throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Mamchenko is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Metaxas wants to improve his position but Mamchenko is controlling well.
Metaxas makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Metaxas.
Mamchenko preventing the sweep.
Metaxas working a defensive guard but Mamchenko manages to pass into side control anyway.
Mamchenko wants to lay and pray for a moment but Metaxas keeps working.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mamchenko creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Metaxas sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Metaxas is looking to reverse the position.
Metaxas is not content to let Mamchenko control the position.
Metaxas managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Mamchenko.
Metaxas manages to get back to half guard.

Metaxas looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Mamchenko drops an elbow to the side of Metaxas's head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Evgenii Mamchenko will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Atlas Metaxas's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Metaxas throws a solid leg kick but Mamchenko takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Metaxas.
Atlas Metaxas seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Nice defenses there by Metaxas.
Mamchenko takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.

Mamchenko shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Metaxas manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Mamchenko postures up and lands a big shot to Metaxas's brow.
Mamchenko has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Mamchenko preventing the sweep.

Metaxas working for submissions but it's allowed Mamchenko to get to half guard.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Mamchenko here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Mamchenko takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Metaxas regains full guard. Nicely done.
Metaxas wants to sweep here but Mamchenko controlling him for the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mamchenko is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Metaxas can do to turn this around?
Mamchenko is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Mamchenko tries to free his leg and advance position but Metaxas is retaining full guard.
Metaxas working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Mamchenko.

Metaxas escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Mamchenko gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Metaxas has his foot on Mamchenko's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Mamchenko works his way back into a safe position though.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Mamchenko's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Mamchenko lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mamchenko trying to control but Metaxas is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Metaxas lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Mamchenko manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Metaxas manages to get himself to full guard.

Evgenii Mamchenko overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Metaxas is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Metaxas is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Mamchenko makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Mamchenko lands a couple of digs.
Metaxas tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Metaxas working a defensive guard here.
Mamchenko is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

Metaxas is looking for a triangle but Mamchenko pushes his legs off easily.
Mamchenko landing some decent shots from guard.

Metaxas throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Mamchenko lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Mamchenko working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Metaxas's head.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Metaxas is on top in guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Metaxas trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Metaxas wants to control from the top but Mamchenko keeps moving.
Metaxas stopping the sweep attempt from Mamchenko.
Metaxas wants to control from the top but Mamchenko keeps moving.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Mamchenko is on top in guard.

Mamchenko won't allow Metaxas to sweep him here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Mamchenko trying to control but Metaxas is working from the bottom.
Mamchenko is working Metaxas over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Evgenii Mamchenko dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Atlas Metaxas's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Metaxas avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Metaxas throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Metaxas misses with a straight left.
Metaxas moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Mamchenko tries to score a power double leg takedown but Metaxas sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Mamchenko somewhat.
Metaxas throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Mamchenko misses with a series of wild punches.
Mamchenko shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Metaxas as he jumps to the side.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mamchenko throws a looping overhand right but Metaxas ducks down to avoid it.
Mamchenko doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Metaxas uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Mamchenko.
Mamchenko avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mamchenko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Metaxas moves away.
Nice defenses there by Mamchenko.
Metaxas's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Metaxas duly obliges.
Metaxas's corner calls for a 1-2. Metaxas obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Metaxas misses with a body shot.
Atlas Metaxas is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Metaxas needs to keep his hands up - Mamchenko had a free shot at his head there.
Mamchenko throws the left hand but Metaxas avoids the punch easily.
Mamchenko lands with a cross.

Metaxas is rocked!
Metaxas misses with a hook.
Metaxas is still on wobbly legs! Can Mamchenko finish him?
Metaxas looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Mamchenko bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Metaxas's head backwards.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Metaxas wants to slow Mamchenko down by chopping away at his legs.

Mamchenko closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Metaxas's guard.

Metaxas wriggles free and stands up.
Atlas Metaxas seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mamchenko uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Metaxas.
Mamchenko throws a poor cross that misses
and Metaxas counters with a head kick.
No luck for Mamchenko with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Evgenii Mamchenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Metaxas looks to score with a jab to the body but Mamchenko is just out of range.
Mamchenko attempts a counter takedown but Metaxas avoids it well and moves away.
Metaxas pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Metaxas seems to have recovered his senses.
Some wild striking there from Metaxas.
Metaxas takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Metaxas throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Mamchenko connects with a looping right hand.
Metaxas throws the kick towards the body but Mamchenko avoids it.

Mamchenko throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Metaxas tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Mamchenko is in Metaxas's guard.
Metaxas keeping moving, preventing Mamchenko from controlling successfully.
Mamchenko might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Mamchenko with a nice head shot there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Metaxas keeping moving, preventing Mamchenko from controlling successfully.

Metaxas working for a triangle but Mamchenko defends it easily.
Mamchenko controls from within his opponent's guard.
Mamchenko content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Metaxas wants to sweep but no luck.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Mamchenko stands up over Metaxas, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Metaxas looking for a sweep. Not yet Metaxas, not yet.
Mamchenko wants to pass the guard but Metaxas is keeping the position.
Mamchenko throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Metaxas works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Metaxas looking to hit a scissor sweep but Mamchenko is one step ahead there.
Mamchenko lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Mamchenko postures up and lands a big shot to Metaxas's brow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Atlas Metaxas just about did enough to take it.
The cut man is working on Atlas Metaxas's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Mamchenko shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Metaxas sprawls well. Metaxas wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Mamchenko gets slowly back to his feet.
Mamchenko looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Metaxas is fending him off so far but Mamchenko persists. Nope, Metaxas circles away and we're back to standing.
Mamchenko takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Mamchenko comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
A swing and a miss from Metaxas.
Metaxas scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Metaxas throws a jab but it's blocked by Mamchenko.
Metaxas tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Metaxas feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Mamchenko's calf.

Metaxas gets caught napping as Mamchenko dives in and scores a takedown. Metaxas manages to retain guard.
Metaxas is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Mamchenko looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Metaxas is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Metaxas is trying to keep Mamchenko in close.
Metaxas working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Mamchenko.
Metaxas tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Mamchenko throws an elbow that misses. Metaxas uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Mamchenko's guard. Nice move by Metaxas!

Mamchenko bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Metaxas's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Metaxas has momentary wrist control but Mamchenko slips an elbow through the middle.
Mamchenko throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Metaxas works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Metaxas is trying to keep Mamchenko in close.
Mamchenko cracks Metaxas with a solid left hand.
Metaxas is trying to control the position but Mamchenko postures up.
Metaxas can't keep his opponent in guard - Mamchenko advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Metaxas is looking for a sweep. Mamchenko is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Mamchenko is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mamchenko prevents Metaxas from improving his position.
Mamchenko wants to pass to mount but Metaxas is defending the position.
Mamchenko not doing much here.
Mamchenko missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Metaxas avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Mamchenko.
Mamchenko landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Nice strikes from Mamchenko there.
The fighters are battling for position here. Metaxas manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mamchenko's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Mamchenko won't allow Metaxas to sweep him here.
Metaxas looking to control.
Metaxas managing to control the position.

Metaxas looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Metaxas looking to hit a scissor sweep but Mamchenko is one step ahead there.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Mamchenko seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Evgenii Mamchenko had his way with Atlas Metaxas in that round.
The cut man is working on Atlas Metaxas's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. And we move into the final round!

Metaxas tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Metaxas throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Mamchenko misses with a wild body shot.
Metaxas throws a head kick that misses.
Metaxas connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

Mamchenko closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Metaxas quickly recovers to half guard.
Mamchenko wants to control but Metaxas is keeping him busy.
Metaxas is trying to get back to full guard.
Metaxas wants to control but Mamchenko is keeping busy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Metaxas is pressing down on Mamchenko's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Mamchenko looking to sit in guard and control but Metaxas gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mamchenko keeping moving, preventing Metaxas from controlling successfully.
Metaxas postures up.
Metaxas looking to sit in guard and control but Mamchenko gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

There's a bit of a scramble here and now Metaxas is on top in guard.

Mamchenko is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Metaxas trying to move into half guard but instead Mamchenko has managed to sweep!

Atlas Metaxas has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Metaxas looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Metaxas is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Metaxas lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Metaxas is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Mamchenko wants to sweep here but Metaxas controlling him for the moment.
Metaxas stands up over Mamchenko, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Mamchenko looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Evgenii Mamchenko is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Mamchenko looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mamchenko looking to hit a scissor sweep but Metaxas is one step ahead there.

Metaxas drops back looking for a leg! Mamchenko is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Mamchenko manages to kick Metaxas off! Metaxas jumps back into Mamchenko's guard.
Metaxas stands and throws Mamchenko's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Mamchenko manages to work his way to half guard, despite Metaxas's best efforts.
Mamchenko wants to get back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Metaxas looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Metaxas is looking to take a break and control but Mamchenko is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Mamchenko gets full guard.
Mamchenko utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Mamchenko wants to sweep here but Metaxas controlling him for the moment.
Metaxas trying to control the position from guard on top but Mamchenko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Mamchenko utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Mamchenko is looking to stand up but Metaxas isn't so interested in that idea.
Mamchenko looking for a sweep. Not yet Mamchenko, not yet.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Atlas Metaxas.
I think Mamchenko has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Wagner Zegers scores the fight 48:47
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 48:47
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Evgenii Mamchenko!
Evgenii Mamchenko is the new light heavyweight champion!
An out of breath Evgenii Mamchenko thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.